George Boyd-Rochfort; image: VC636 Memorials to Valour
For most conspicuous bravery in the trenches between Cambrin and La Bassee on 3rd August, 1915. At 2 a.m. a German trench mortar bomb landed on the side of the parapet of the communication trench in which he stood, close to a small working party of his Battalion. He might easily have stepped back a few yards round the corner into perfect safety, but, shouting to his men to look out, he rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet, where it at once exploded. There is no doubt that this splendid combination of presence of mind and courage saved the lives of many of the working party.
Extract from The London Gazette
Name:
George Arthur Boyd-Rochfort VC
Born:
1 Jan 1880; Middleton Park, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
Died:
7 Aug 1940; Dublin.
Buried:
Castletown Church of Ireland Old Churchyard, Castletown Geoghegen.
Unit:
The 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division.
The Scots Guards RHQ in Wellington Barracks, London
References:
[27] [28]
Connection:
Educated at Eton College. Named on the VC/GC Memorial at Eton College.
Notes:
Boyd-Rochfort was a noted jockey and polo player. After the war, he became well known in Irish racing circles as an owner and breeder, and as senior steward of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee and a member of the Irish Turf Club.
